ORDERS TO KILL

by Donald Downes ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

Captain Eugene Summers, a top flying ace just going off duty, is hurriedly chosen, because of his record and almost native French, and trained for the job of killing a traitor, Lafitte, in the Paris underground. Both in the U. S. and in England his instructors feel the weakness latent in the boy, and his training -- tortuous and tough -- shows up the possibility of a flaw but he is sent on to France. There his manhunt begins to weaken when he gets to know Lafitte, his love of cats, his sad little family life, and Gene cracks, threatens the resistance network when he demands that the radio be used to inquire if Lafitte's guilt is certain. Ordered to complete his assignment he does kill his quarry and learns word has been received of Lafitte's innocence. From the utter disappearance and breakdown that follow he comes back bitter, beaten. A variation on a theme, this adventure has a further interest in its handling of a psychological pattern that adds to the story.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Rinehart

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1958

Categories: FICTION